Extremely well noted Iain, and I'm always glad you bring up these salient details on takouba (which of course apply to kaskara in Sudan) as far as their actual modern use. I have always considered the unfortunate term 'tourist' or 'souvenier' often misapplied with many of these swords, especially so many which are quite recent relatively.
There are few who have entered into the depth of study toward the takouba as you have, and as you have shown on your site, and in your collection, the continuous tradition of these swords covers not only generations, but centuries.
What is phenomenal is that even in these modern times, the takouba and kaskara remain viable weapons among tribal peoples. As you note, even the modern examples of these swords are commonly purchased by locals, and as far as their becoming 'tourist' items, individuals are often inclined to sell the sword they have to inquiring 'guests. They then simply obtain another.
Therefore these remain authentic examples 'ethnographically', and while they may not have the often colorful history associated with the treasured blades which have been passed through generations and through desert trade channels, they are still sound representative and fascinating examples.
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